By RYAN TOLMICH
Queens Park Rangers have been linked to moves for a pair of MLS stars, but manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that no contact has been made.
LA Galaxy forward Robbie Keane and Toronto FC forward Jermain Defoe have been rumored to be on the move to QPR, where they could rejoin Redknapp, who managed the duo with Tottenham. However, Redknapp has denied any talks between the parties.
Redknapp, who managed Keane from 2009-11, insisted that he believes the MLS MVP would not be easily released by the Galaxy after making such an impact in the league and soccer in the United States.
“No (there has been no approach) for Robbie,” he said. “Robbie Keane is a fantastic player, one of the best professionals I’ve ever come across. You only have to look at what he’s done in America. He hasn’t gone there for a holiday, he’s gone there and become the best player in the league.
“He’s an amazing footballer. I’ve never made any enquiry for Robbie. He belongs to the LA Galaxy, they aren’t going to let him go.”
In addition, Redknapp revealed he has yet to make a move for Defoe as well, despite attempting to lure the Toronto FC striker to QPR towards the end of the summer window.
“No, I’ve never spoken about Jermain,” Redknapp said. “We made an enquiry in the summer. It was too expensive, we couldn’t do a deal and the club wouldn’t let him go anyway.
“I’ve said all along if it’s an expensive deal we wouldn’t be able to do it. He’s a good player again, but his age and everything else (makes it difficult). The type of money the club paid for him they won’t get that back, I wouldn’t have thought.”
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What do you make of Redknapp’s comments? Do you see either Keane or Defoe making a move abroad?
Share your thoughts below.
Hands off, Harry!
With just one DP slot, I don’t think the Galaxy should use it on Cubo. But if Keane leaves, it might be interesting to go with Cubo and an established (read: aging) CM.
Gonzalez will not leave sunny LA until, unless its Europe or a big fat check from down the border and if i was him, i would leave Galaxy. What else can he win in MLS, Open cup which Arena doesn’t care and champions which MLS teams will never beat LigaMX teams in a championship game.
So I would suggest Gonzalez to try something new and Keane looked zero happy at MLS Cup. Something tells me keane would leave galaxy for a last chance in europe.
Let both go, but I think galaxy need Keane more than TFC need Defoe or why not sell Gonzalez and keane from galaxy to Europe or even Mexico.
Supply and demand. If there’s no buyer, then…
I’m not calling Redknapp a liar, but it’s uncouth for a coach to straight up say, “Yes, we’re gunning for such and such player, who is under contract.” So, even if Redknapp has spoken to Keane and/or Defoe’s reps, he wouldn’t say so to the media. He clearly thinks a lot of both players, and QPR are in a bad way, so we’ll see.
No he is telling the truth, there is no way either the Galaxy or Toronto are going to let those players go for a discounted price and QPR aren’t going to shell out big $ for players who are in their 30’s.
In a totally unrelated thought, I would like to see a Harry Redknapp biopic comedy starring Michael Caine as Harry.
Caine was born to play ‘Arry. Make it happen, Hollywood.
I’m kinda hoping a BPL team buys Defoe from TFC.
He’s good when he’s healthy but the guys a gong show.